S&W M&P Shield Update

Published on July 11, 2012
Duration: 3:55

The reviewer provides an update on their experience with the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, noting that while it's a good gun, it doesn't significantly outperform existing market options like the Kahr PM9 or Sig P290. The 9mm version is preferred over the .40 S&W due to better control, though the grip is considered a bit slick. The Shield is seen as a better option than the Walther PPS due to its more human-centric grip design. It's recommended for those who don't already own a similar niche firearm.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a good compact pistol, but it doesn't significantly outperform established competitors like the Kahr PM9 or Sig P290. The 9mm version offers better control than the .40 S&W, and its grip is more ergonomic than the Walther PPS. It's recommended for those without a similar niche firearm.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction & Initial Disappointment
  2. 00:33Range Day: Shooting the Shield
  3. 00:46Shield vs. Market Competitors
  4. 01:00Trigger and Grip Assessment
  5. 01:32Not a 'Second Coming' Firearm
  6. 02:009mm vs. 40 S&W Performance
  7. 02:25Grip Comparison: Shield vs. Car
  8. 02:32Shield vs. Walther PPS
  9. 02:56Final Verdict & Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield compare to other compact pistols like the Kahr PM9 or Sig P290?

The reviewer found the S&W M&P Shield to be a good gun but not a significant upgrade over the Kahr PM9 or Sig P290. If you already own one of those, an upgrade to the Shield isn't necessary unless you have a strong brand preference.

Is the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield's trigger noticeably better than other compacts?

The Shield has a slightly better trigger feel, but the improvement is subtle. Casual shooters who don't focus on minute details like trigger reset are unlikely to notice a significant difference compared to other common triggers like Glock's.

Which caliber is better for the S&W M&P Shield: 9mm or 40 S&W?

The 9mm Shield is recommended over the .40 S&W. The 9mm was found to be more controllable and easier to shoot accurately, while the .40 S&W felt less manageable and required more effort to control due to recoil.

How does the grip of the S&W M&P Shield compare to the Walther PPS?

The reviewer prefers the S&W M&P Shield's grip, stating it's designed for a human hand. The Walther PPS grip was described as uncomfortable and less ergonomic, feeling more like a basic piece of lumber.

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